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Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster - 2-color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard

Solidbody Electric Guitar with Alder Body, Maple Neck, Maple Fretboard, 3 x Single-coil Pickups, Vintage Appointments, and Hard Case - 2-Color Sunburst
Item ID: Strat56MN2TSB

Sorry, the Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster - 2-color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard is no longer available. We've left this page up for reference only.
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Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster - 2-color Sunburst with Maple Fingerboard
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The '56 Strat is Back!

With your hands on the Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster solidbody electric guitar, you'll understand why 1956 was such a special year for the iconic Strat. Fender based the American Vintage Series on actual vintage guitars from their past, to bring you a period-correct '56 Strat that plays like a modern classic. The American Vintage '56 Stratocaster is built just like an original - you get an alder body, a soft V-shaped maple neck, a maple fingerboard, and vintage-style appointments throughout. And with a trio of specially-voiced American Vintage '56 Strat single-coil pickups, your favorite amplifier will love the Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster as much as you do.

Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster Solidbody Electric Guitar at a Glance:
  • American Vintage Series means period-accurate details
  • Why 1956?
  • Vintage-style pickups provide classic tone
American Vintage Series means period-accurate details

Fender spared no expense in creating the American Vintage Series, and you'll see it in the American Vintage '56 Stratocaster. To make it as vintage-accurate as possible, Fender restored original tooling dies, voiced new pickups, and even reformulated vintage finishes based on actual vintage examples. The result is a guitar that not only looks accurate - it feels like you're playing a well-worn-in classic that's been waiting to be re-discovered.

Why 1956?

Fender chose to include 1956 models in their American Vintage Series, because it was an especially innovative year for the Stratocaster. Fender introduced Alnico 3 magnets, the butterfly string retainer, and the much-loved soft V-shape neck profile. The evolution of the Strat had started.

Vintage-style pickups provide classic tone

Fender wouldn't rest until the American Vintage '56 Stratocaster sounded as vintage as it looks, so they got to work developing a special set of pickups specifically for the American Vintage Series. This Strat packs a trio of American Vintage '56 Strat single-coil pickups, specially wound to period-correct specs and tone. You get the same tonal versatility that made the Strat the legend it is today.

Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster Solidbody Electric Guitar Features:
  • American Vintage Series Stratocaster, based on the design of original 1956 Strats
  • Vintage-style Flash Coat Lacquer finish is thinner than modern finishes, allowing the alder body to "breathe" and enhance tonally as it ages
  • Soft V-shaped neck plays fast, and is true to 1956-style Strats
  • Three specially-voiced American Vintage '56 Strat single-coil pickups are wound to match the sound and specs of original '50s pickups
  • Aged plastic knobs and switchcaps complete the vintage look
  • Comes with Vintage '56 Strat strap, cable, cloth, vintage 3-position switch, '50s Strat information kit, bridge cover, owners manual, and saddle height wrench
  • Deluxe Vintage Tweed hard case included

Play a sweet blast from the past - the Fender American Vintage '56 Stratocaster!
NOTE: This product is available in the United States only - no international sales.

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Tech Specs

  • Manufacturer Part Number: 0111502803

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It’s impossible to imagine a world without Fender guitars, and if you’re like many of the guitarists at Sweetwater, then Fender not only made the first guitar you ever bought " they made the last one too! From building the first mass-produced solidbody electric guitars and basses in the 1950s to creating some of the most influential amplifier designs in history, it’s no wonder why Fender is one of the biggest names in the business. As one of the world’s largest Fender dealers, we have countless guitars, basses, amps, effects pedals, and accessories in stock and ready to ship, whenever you need them. We’re always getting our hands on their latest creations, and there’s nothing we love more than to tell our customers all about them! So, whether you’re looking for your first axe or a Custom Shop creation, make sure to give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700.

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